I Read Pretty Much Every YA Book in 2016 and These Are Definitely the 10 Best

Couldn't put 'em down.

By
Emily Ables

Dec 28, 2016

Twenty-year-old Emily Ables' love of reading made her Instagram-famous. Her account, @blueeyedbiblio, currently has over 120,000 followers, who turn to Emily for her unique mix of insightful reviews and gorgeous book pics. With stay-inside-and-read season (AKA winter) officially here, Emily shares her fave YA releases of the past 12 months. Grab a blanket and cozy up with one of these amazing page-turners!

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1. "Salt to the Sea," by Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys is a master of YA historical fiction, and she nails it again with this harrowing World War II novel. Salt to the Sea tells the stories of four teenagers with four different perspectives who cross paths as they attempt to flee the conflict on a refugee ship. In this realistic portrayal of the teens' desperate struggle to survive, Sepetys does not hold back. Salt to the Sea is brutal and will absolutely break your heart.

2. "If I Was Your Girl," by Meredith Russo

If I Was Your Girl tells the story of Amanda, a transgender teen who changes schools after transitioning. Amanda decides not to share her past with her new classmates, but then she falls for a boy and yearns to tell him everything. This is a powerful story about finding the courage to be yourself and live your truth. It's also great because it's an #ownvoices book, meaning the author is a transgender woman herself.

3. "You Know Me Well," by Nina LaCour and David Levithan

Nina LaCour and David Levithan are two of the best YA authors working right now, and this story is further proof. You Know Me Well captures the dual POVs of Kate and Mark, two gay classmates who bond during a chance encounter in San Francisco. The two help each other with their love lives and end up developing a deep friendship of their own. This fun, sweet novel beautifully captures the power of romantic and platonic love alike.

A post shared by Emily Ables (@blueeyedbiblio) on May 16, 2016 at 3:07pm PDT

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4. "The Raven King," by Maggie Stievfater

The finale of the Raven Cycle quartet, The Raven King is one of the most magical and heartfelt YA books I've ever read. The Raven Cycle follows four teen boys who attend an expensive private school, and a girl whose family is made up entirely of psychics. The plot has the five friends searching for mystical ley lines and a departed Welsh king who will grant them a wish, but the real beauty of the story is in their relationships. The Raven King is a breathtaking finale that won't disappoint!

5. "The Female of the Species," by Mindy McGinnis

If you want a book that's dark and riveting, this is the one for you. Main character Alex Craft's older sister was murdered three years ago, and ever since, Alex has been aloof and violent. The Female of the Species combines themes of friendship and budding love with an unnerving air of suspense that makes you fear something terrible is going to happen. It's one of the most intense and shocking YA books I've ever read. Be warned: The story contains graphic details of rape and violence that sensitive readers might find disturbing.

A post shared by Emily Ables (@blueeyedbiblio) on May 18, 2016 at 12:37pm PDT

6. "Towers Falling," by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Some consider this more of a middle-grade read than YA, but I think it's important for all ages. Towers Falling tells the story of Deja, a New York City fifth-grader who was born shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Her family is living in a homeless shelter, and, unbeknownst to Deja, her dad is unable to work due to mental-health issues caused by 9/11. As Deja learns about that tragic day in school, she grapples with a new understanding of her family — and what it means to be American. Told through Deja's eyes, Towers Falling is a poignant and heartbreaking lens on our history and our future.

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jewell parker rhodes

7. "Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies," by Laura Stampler

Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies is basically a YA Devil Wears Prada, making it the perfect light read to satisfy your city dreams. This book follows high school senior Harper Anderson as she navigates New York City for a summer blogging gig at a popular teen magazine. In an attempt to make a splash, Harper weaves a web of teeny lies that slowly and accidentally snowball. How long can Harper maintain her charade? The witty writing will keep you guessing — and reading.

simon and schuster

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8. "This Savage Song," by Victoria Schwab

With This Savage Song, author Victoria Schwab continues her streak as a sci-fi/fantasy queen. In a world of monsters and darkness, Kate and August hail from warring sides of a divided city. August is a monster working undercover for the military; Kate is the human daughter of a ruthless leader — and she wants to continue the family legacy. With the future of their city at stake, August and Kate get tangled up in each other's lives, and things get messy and dangerous in the most terrifying way.

9. "Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen," by Jazz Jennings

Jazz Jennings is a normal 16-year-old girl, and she just happens to have a show on TLC about being transgender. This memoir offers a personal look at Jazz's journey as a public figure and LGBT activist, offering candid details on topics like dating, body issues, and school acceptance. The book's overall message is super empowering, making this a great addition to your bookshelf if you need some major life inspo (or just a break from fiction).

10. "We Are Still Tornadoes," by Michael Kun and Susan Mullen

As teens growing up in the 1980s, Cath and Scott are neighbors who move apart and begin exchanging letters to keep their friendship alive. Cath leaves town to attend college while Scott stays behind to help run his father's business. Their personalities and quirks shine through in their correspondence, and the intimacy of the letter format makes you feel like you're actually getting to know them. In the end, this book is a heartwarming look at how true friendship defies distance — and definitely doesn't require social media.

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